Writing a good CV that easily impresses a recruiter is no easy feat. Many of us make common mistakes like failing to tailor your CV to a specific job, poor grammar and punctuation, overselling your skills and qualities, among others.
Today, let’s explore on the Do’s and Don’ts of crafting a perfect CV – Shall we?
The Do’s:
Tailor your CV to that specific job. Well as it’s important to have a master CV, it’s even more important to know how to use that Master CV to tailor it for a Specific Job. Different jobs require different skill-sets, qualifications, and experience. Therefore, it’s important to remember to tailor your CV to that job you are seeking.
Quantify! Quantify! Quantify. Employers are always looking for what you achieved more than how you achieved it. To most, the how is irrelevant, the result is what matters, so always quantify your achievements. Eg: Better to say, “I increased sales by 43% over the last four months.” That sales more than just stating that you increased sales – so what?
Use a Clean Layout. Some people like going too fancy adding lot’s of color, useless pictures and graphics, and whatnot. Such layouts will catch the eye of the recruiter but they are also a distraction to the content matter in the CV. So, always use a clean, professional layout with consistent font, and sizes. I personally use a Black & White layout.
Keep it Short. If your CV exceeds two pages, that becomes a blog or a manuscript. Keep your CV under two pages by focusing on the things that matter – go straight to the point and if you are out of space but still have important things to add, consider reducing the font size (not less than 10pts) but make sure you are under TWO pages.
Proof Read. A CV with poor grammar and punctuation is one of the biggest turn-offs in the world. Don’t do that to your recruiter, always make sure you proof read your CV before sending it it. Matter of fact you could even ask a friend to give it one last eye before you click send.
The Don’ts:
Don’t use the Master CV. Don’t you dare use the Master CV – A Master CV is a CV that entails everything you have ever accomplished. It’s from this Master CV that you should tailor your CV to a specific job.
Don’t Lie. Lying on a CV is a very serious offence that might not get you in jail, but imprison you into unemployment for a lifetime. Therefore, it’s quite important to be truthful in your CV.
Don’t use an Unprofessional Layout. Like I said above too many colors, pictures and graphics might be eye catching but are also distracting. The recruiter might decide to gaze on the beauty of the CV and forget to read the content – BOOM!! No job for you.
In the beginning, I noted it out that CV writing is no easy feat however, if you are composed and follow the above tips, you just might have a chance to nail that CV and definitely that job.
Happy hunting!
